Our weekly online meetings are precious to both the UK and rural Nigeria and so whilst the usual technology tried to disrupt our meeting it was the determination of team and technology which came to the rescue..........
The usual Skype chat was unable to take place as Fantsuam Foundation’s network was very slow. The Zittnet staff had been liaising with the NOC in Washington who said that they had received similar reports but had not been able to resolve the problem. However, with the combination of Twitter, an sms, Skype and Yahoo the team were able to have our usual weekly exchange of information. However, we hope that Washington are able to resolve the issue as a matter of urgency as Zittnett provide a vital service to this rural Nigerian community.
Laying new foundations.....John informed the team that work on the excavation of the clinic laboratory’s foundations in Zipak were scheduled to commence the following day.The plan is that it will comprise of a reception, sample collection room, laboratory and storage space. A solar powered incubator and a solar refrigerator are envisaged to help to cope with the the incessant power problems that the local area has. This new building will also make it possible for better collaboration with the neighbouring Health Education institutions, enabling FF to maintain reliable records of basic infections and to collaborate in basic research for their partner communities. The American Embassy has been in contact with Fantsuam Foundation and have said that they are willing to release funds (hopefully in 3 weeks) to extend the present structures. However, additional funds now need to be found for the new clinic laboratory. This is typical of Fantuam Foundation/John's style who respond to the need on their doorstep first and worry about the full funding later - otherwise many of the wonderful FF projects would not have got off the ground. A model of true grass root development ie bourn from real necessity.
Also this week:
- John emailed the the UK with the exciting news that President Goodluck Jonathan has given the go-ahead for local community radio. Please see blog for further details.
- We are pleased to announce that the plastic recyling project has been shortlisted by Comic Relief.